Whispers of a Honda S2000 successor are nothing new, but when separate reports from different sources convey similar information, that’s the point at which the unlikely begins to appear more plausible.
Echoing an earlier Autocar dispatch, Australia’s Motoring claims that a mid-engined coupe replacement for the S2000 sports car has been given the production nod by Honda execs.
In addition to a vastly different bodystyle and layout than the open-air, front-engined original, the new S2000 will also reportedly forgo a naturally-aspirated mill in favor of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and an electric motor. The hybrid powertrain is said to be capable of as much as 365 horsepower.
Unlike Honda’s other upcoming hybrid sports car, the Acura NSX, the S2000 will not boast all-wheel-drive, instead sending power to the rear wheels only. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic will be tasked with shifting duties.
As with the NSX, the S2000 will keep weight to a minimum with carbon fiber and aluminum construction. Total mass is expected to be in the neighborhood of 2,900 lbs. – roughly the same as the first-generation roadster.
If Motoring’s report proves accurate – still a big “if” at this point – the reborn S2000 could arrive showrooms by late 2017.
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